Bit of help on what to work for?

[bodhran4me]

Craigslist, ebay and etsy can be a good source if you are patient and careful. I got my 8 yd Maple Leaf made by Burnetts and Struth on Kijiji (Canadian Craigslist ) for about half of the new price. It took a year or two but it was worth the wait. There are also FB groups for selling kilts and accessories as well as the For Sale section here. It is important to ask questions such as if the seller knows the cloth type, mill and maker

[rlloyd]

I have both a few Semi-Traditionals and one Casual from USA Kilts in my collection. As far as versatility, I definitely recommend the Semi-Traditional. Having the complete appearance of a more traditional kilt, as others have so eloquently described, it makes it effortless to both dress up and dress down. The Casual isn't quite as versatile, at least to my eye, due to lacking the strap-and-buckle closure system (instead making use of hook-and-loop, or Velcro if you prefer) and the aesthetic it provides. I do like the convenience of how easy the Casual is to just toss on and go, and it's a very good option for more physical activities (also due to the different closure system). On the other hand, though, there have been times I've found myself thinking "gee, I wish my Isle of Skye were a Semi-Trad instead of Casual".

[MichiganKyle]

I can't speak for the "better" wool kilts, because I have a bit of a wool sensitivity/allergy. But I have several Sport Kilts and several USA Kilts casuals (new Celtic Nations one just arrived today, actually).

I would liken Sport Kilt fabric vs. USA Kilts fabric as being like going from polar fleece to nearly dress slacks. USA Kilts' MM P/V is stiffer and holds a pleat much better. I wear mine as daily clothing, so I end up washing them, and I would have to say the USA Kilts are easier to wash than the Sport Kilts due to the way the pleats are just pretty much permanently set no matter what you do to them. You can pull them out of the washer wet, hang them up, and the wrinkles fall out (I usually manually re-pleat mine because I think it works a little better, but it's probably more the placebo effect than anything).

Sport Kilt fabric tends to be very light and fluffy and is warmer but catches the wind quite badly. As warm as they are, I have not worn mine all summer, but it's about cold enough now to start adding them back into the rotation. USA Kilts fabric is not warm or cool, per se, and seems to be quite good in any kind of weather. Sport Kilts for me are more of a winter-only thing.

It "draping" better is not just falling between your legs when you sit down. Rather than layers sticking together, they slide past each other - it doesn't catch on itself so badly - so in general, it just does a better job of falling where it should all the way around. The front apron hangs better, it hangs better off your hips without fanning out into a strange large trapezoid shape, etc. The tartan doesn't really distort at all with my USA Kilts kilts whereas I'm constantly fussing with my Sport Kilts to try to get the tartan on the apron to hang straight.

Also, I should note: I do not have any USA Kilts semi-trads, so I can't speak to that. I've looked at them, and they are beautiful, but I've stuck with the casuals. Mainly because I've fallen in love with the velcro waistband. I've got buckles on all of my Sport Kilts, and I actually like just the velcro better. It's much more adjustable as my body gains and loses excess gravity. It's easier to put on and take off. And since I don't really have anything I go to where a kilt is appropriate and requires being dressed up, it looks good enough for my everyday-wear usage. And I don't worry so much about messing it up, since it's not quite as fancy. I may go with a semi-trad someday, but for now, I'm very happy with my casuals.

[River]

I have both a few Semi-Traditionals and one Casual from USA Kilts in my collection. As far as versatility, I definitely recommend the Semi-Traditional. Having the complete appearance of a more traditional kilt, as others have so eloquently described, it makes it effortless to both dress up and dress down. The Casual isn't quite as versatile, at least to my eye, due to lacking the strap-and-buckle closure system (instead making use of hook-and-loop, or Velcro if you prefer) and the aesthetic it provides. I do like the convenience of how easy the Casual is to just toss on and go, and it's a very good option for more physical activities (also due to the different closure system). On the other hand, though, there have been times I've found myself thinking "gee, I wish my Isle of Skye were a Semi-Trad instead of Casual".

Ah, the semi does sound more versatile! Does the hook and loop system really take that much more time compared to the Velcro? I personally cannot stand the sound of Velcro haha. Thank you for your input!!

[KennethSime]

Kyle answered your questions about drape and apron better than I, and also described the fabric differences better than I.

My last big piece of advice for now is to join the Kilts & Culture group on Facebook, in addition to sticking around here. Tons of helpful folks over there with a bit more of a casual focus.

[River]

Kyle answered your questions about drape and apron better than I, and also described the fabric differences better than I.

My last big piece of advice for now is to join the Kilts & Culture group on Facebook, in addition to sticking around here. Tons of helpful folks over there with a bit more of a casual focus.

Well, thanks for your information! Any little experience helps

I’ll look into the Kilt & Culture group, though I’ve never even have had a facebook!

[rlloyd]

Ah, the semi does sound more versatile! Does the hook and loop system really take that much more time compared to the Velcro? I personally cannot stand the sound of Velcro haha. Thank you for your input!!

Hook and loop and Velcro are one and the same, the latter is just a genericized trademark like Coke is for cola or Kleenex for facial tissue. It's the closure system on Casuals, so - if you're not a fan - that's definitely something to consider.

[MichiganKyle]

Hook and loop and Velcro are one and the same, the latter is just a genericized trademark like Coke is for cola or Kleenex for facial tissue. It's the closure system on Casuals, so - if you're not a fan - that's definitely something to consider.

A hilarious song from Velcro(R) Brand about the subject:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRi8LptvFZY

[River]

Craigslist, ebay and etsy can be a good source if you are patient and careful. I got my 8 yd Maple Leaf made by Burnetts and Struth on Kijiji (Canadian Craigslist ) for about half of the new price. It took a year or two but it was worth the wait. There are also FB groups for selling kilts and accessories as well as the For Sale section here. It is important to ask questions such as if the seller knows the cloth type, mill and maker

Ooh, maybe I can find a good Sporran!